Ensure your cows are on heat and submitted to AI as soon as possible after calving by recognising signs of heat and timing AI.

Heat detection

Heat Detective discussion groups

Are you interested in learning more about the importance of heat detection for your herd’s reproductive performance? Dairy Australia runs regular Heat Detective workshops with your local RDP.

The Heat Detective workshop is a two hour, on-farm discussion group that examines the important signs of heat and timing of artificial insemination (AI), while addressing common misconceptions around heat detection.

Alongside this discussion, the correct application and use of heat detection aids is covered.

What are the benefits of heat detection?

A good heat detection system and staying focussed on the job ensures cows truly on-heat are submitted to artificial insemination (AI) as soon as possible after calving.

Staying focussed on heat detection for at least 2 cycles will get more AI calves.

Every cow that you find truly on heat is worth $200. If you miss heats or submit cows not on heat you will have fewer AI calves and lose dollars.

The importance of good heat detection to maximise cow fertility at artificial insemination is explained in this short video. It identifies the different signs shown by cows in heat and the best times and places to carry out heat detection.

Watch this video on the importance of good heat detection to maximise cow fertility at artificial insemination. Covering the different signs shown by cows in heat and the best times and places to do heat detection.

Am I doing heat detection right?

Your heat detection system is working well if:

Seasonal herds - 9 out of 10 cows are inseminated within the 1st three weeks of mating

Year-round herds - 3 out of 4 cows are inseminated within 80 days after calving (if you are aiming for a 12-month calving interval)

Get a Fertility Focus Report to check submission rate and heat detection efficiency. For best results, combine paddock checks with the use of aids to look for signs and indicators of heat.

Initiatives

Dairy Feed Tools is a complete feed management toolset for dairy farmers and managers. Feed planning, cost and resource management backed by Australian feed and pasture data to most accurately reflect the needs of your herd